Do today, chill tomorrow – 5 things to do before TTC to safeguard your journey
Let’s be real – for many of us in our early 20s, thinking about TTC (trying to conceive) might feel way down the road.
But if you’re pretty sure you do want to have a family one day, did you know that there are a few small, intentional steps you can (and probably should) take today to take the weight off and give you confidence, when you’re ready?
What to do before TTC (& where individual fertility insurance comes in)
From getting to know your own health, to building habits that protect your future options, these are super practical ways to safeguard your journey. One thing almost nobody talks about? Individual fertility insurance.
It’s like the ultimate future-you hack, and is way more impactful than you might think – which is where FLORA Fertility comes in. They’re a fab brand making it simple (and affordable) to get coverage in place now, so you can focus on living your life today.
Available in the U.S. and designed to cover the costs of fertility treatments that may be needed in the future, including medically-required egg freezing, IVF, or medications, FLORA Fertility’s insurance is both portable and personal, based on your own health and reproductive profile.
Here are five things to do before TTC that help you feel prepared and protected – packaged up into a mini-guide, in partnership with FLORA Fertility’s expert team.
1. Learn your body basics
Okay, this one may sound super obvious, but understanding how your cycle works is one of the best investments you can make in your future self. Knowing when ovulation happens, how long your cycles usually last, and what might affect them gives you a clearer picture of your reproductive health.
You absolutely don’t need to track obsessively, but paying attention now can reduce stress later.
Cycle tracking apps (peep our fav here), wearables, or simply jotting down cycle notes can help you spot patterns early.
And if you do experience any irregularity with your cycle – like consistently short cycles, heavy bleeding, or missed periods – you’ll have useful information to take to your healthcare provider.
2. Build everyday habits that support fertility health
Next – your body’s overall health supports your reproductive health, so the lifestyle choices you make now matter. Think of it as building a foundation that future-you will thank you for!
- Nutrition: Focus on balanced meals with whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables – head here for more detail, from a registered nutritionist.
- Exercise: Keep activity consistent, whether that’s walking, strength training, or yoga.
- Sleep: Prioritize 7–9 hours a night to regulate hormones and reduce stress.
- Stress: Small daily rituals – think journaling, stretching, or mindfulness – can keep your stress levels steady.
- Avoid hidden risks: If you smoke or vape, now is the time to quit. And if you have any unmanaged health conditions (think thyroid disorders or endometriosis), getting them managed early can help support your fertility later.
Here, even gradual shifts in your routine can have long-term benefits, because you’re building those habits up!
3. Safeguard your future with individual fertility insurance
This is where planning ahead pays off – literally. Fertility treatment is one of the most expensive areas of healthcare, and most traditional insurance doesn’t cover it.
Discover how FLORA Fertility‘s first-of-its-kind, individually owned insurance could reshape your future planning in our quick Q&A below.
Q: What is fertility insurance for individuals?
A: Individual fertility insurance is private coverage you buy yourself, designed to cover treatments like fertility diagnostics, IVF, and medications if you need them in the future.
Unlike traditional group health plans, it’s purchased personally, based on your own health and reproductive profile – and FLORA Fertility is the first to offer this kind of accessible insurance.
Q: How is it different from traditional health insurance?
A: Typical health plans often exclude fertility care altogether. Even in states with mandates, coverage may be tied to employer benefits, limited by age, or cut off if you switch jobs.
FLORA Fertility offers portable and flexible personal coverage you can control, starting as low as $15/month, with average premiums around $40/month for women in their 20s and up to age 34. And once you buy a policy, you have coverage up to age 45!
It also combines coverage with women’s health benefits and perks, so you get community and value from day one.
Q: Why start sooner?
A: Locking in coverage early means lower premiums and protection before age or medical history limits eligibility.
And if you ever need fertility treatment, FLORA Fertility reimburses eligible expenses – up to $50,000.
If you don’t need treatment? You’ve had peace of mind for years knowing you were covered, turning an unpredictable, potentially overwhelming cost into a predictable, manageable one!
4. Know your family history
It might not be the first thing you’d think of bringing up with your mom, but honest conversations with your family can give you important insights into your reproductive health.
Certain conditions often run in families, including:
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Endometriosis
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
- Early menopause
If you know that your mom, aunts, or sisters have faced challenges, you can use that information to take proactive steps.
This doesn’t mean assuming you’ll have the same issues, but it does mean you can bring it up with your doctor earlier, monitor your cycle more closely, or explore preventative options.
In short, awareness is key, especially when you still have years before TTC.
5. Create a personal roadmap
If (and only if) you really enjoy planning ahead, creating a 2–5 year roadmap can help balance health, career, and finances without adding pressure.
This should absolutely be a flexible outline, not a rigid timeline!
If that feels like your vibe, you might want to include:
- Regular health check-ins or screenings.
- Savings goals, including insurance that covers fertility like FLORA Fertility.
- Lifestyle adjustments that feel realistic for your stage of life.
Having a plan can keep you grounded, while leaving space for things to shift naturally.
The bottom line?
Prepping for TTC doesn’t mean you have to reinvent your life. Just doing a few easy things, one by one, will help to give you that confidence for the future.
One of the biggest game-changers? Getting individual fertility insurance sorted early.
Head to FLORA Fertility here to see if you’re a fit for their affordable coverage, so if you ever need fertility treatment down the line, you’re not stressing.
And bonus: explore their Gen F Society, which connects you with community, resources, and perks that support you today – not just someday.
